While the men are double timing the instructor may vary the position of the arms by commanding:

  1. 1. Arms forward, 2. RAISE.
  2. 1. Arms sideward, 2. RAISE.
  3. 1. Arms upward, 2. RAISE.
  4. 1. Hands on hips, 2. PLACE.
  5. 1. Hands on shoulders, 2. PLACE.
  6. 1. Arms forward, 2. CROSS.
  7. 1. Arms backward, 2. CROSS.

At the command down, the double-time position for the arms and hands is resumed.

RIFLE EXERCISES

[847]. The object of these exercises, which may also be performed with wands or bar bells, is to develop the muscles of the arms, shoulders, and back so that the men will become accustomed to the weight of the piece and learn to wield it with that "handiness" so essential to its successful use. When these exercises are combined with movements of the various other parts of the body, they serve as a splendid, though rather strenuous, method for the all-round development of the men. As the weight of the piece is considerable, instructors are cautioned to be reasonable in their demands. Far better results are obtained if these exercises are performed at commands than when they are grouped and performed for spectacular purposes.

All the exercises start from the starting position, which is the low extended arm horizontal position in front of the body, arms straight; the right hand grasping the small of the stock and the left hand the barrel; the knuckles turned to the front and the distance between the hands slightly greater than the width of the shoulders. [Fig. 17].

Fig. 17

This position is assumed at the command: 1. Starting, 2. POSITION; at the command position the piece is brought to the port and lowered to the front horizontal snappily.